A person’s health does not just refer to physical health, but also to how mentally healthy they are. While someone may appear healthy from the outside, there may be lingering issues inside that affect their way of thinking and emotions. When it comes to mental health, there are often questions of the differences between mental illness and a mental disorder. While these terms are often used interchangeably there are some key differences. So, when it comes to mental illness vs mental disorder, what is the difference, and what treatments are available?
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Mental Illness vs Mental Disorder Defined
Before jumping into types of mental illness and disorders, it is best to start with a definition of the terms. According to the American Heritage Stedman’s Medical Dictionary, a mental disorder refers to a disturbance of the normal physical or mental health of the mind. Mental disorders are an outdated term that dates back to prior understandings of mental health. In earlier studies, it was believed that mental disorders only impacted the mind, but today the medical community understands that mental disorders not only affect the mind, body, but also the brain and overall functioning of the individual. Today, mental illness is used more widely to describe a person’s mental wellbeing.
Mental illness refers to a range of health conditions that affect your mood, thinking, and behavior. In the United States, it is estimated that about 1 in 4 adults experience a diagnosed mental illness each year. Not only will Mental illness affect the way you think and feel, but it can change how you interact with others. Many people experience mental health concerns from time to time, but individuals should seek help when ongoing signs and symptoms begin to cause frequent stress and affect their ability to function.
Types of Mental Illness
Mental illness comes in many forms, each with its own symptoms and treatment plans. The types of mental illnesses can be broken down into categories:
Anxiety
Among the most common mental illnesses, anxiety can impact your ability to sleep, concentrate, and complete simple tasks. Common symptoms of anxiety include feeling worried, tense, nervous, and anxiety attacks.
Mood Disorders
Mood disorders are a type of mental illness that affects an individual’s emotional state. Common examples of mental illnesses in this category include depression, bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder.
Personality Disorders
Personality disorders are long-term pattern of thinking and behaving that makes it difficult to function. These individuals may experience symptoms such as unpredictable thinking and behavior or experience extreme emotions.
Psychotic Disorders
Psychotic disorders are a type of mental illness in which a person loses touch with reality. The most common type of psychotic disorder is schizophrenia in which a person will experience changes in behavior and cognition including experiencing delusions and hallucinations.
Substance Abuse Disorders
Addiction, drug, and alcohol abuse can have a direct impact on mental health. Using substances can trigger changes in brain structure and function.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are complex and often develop because people are attempting to cope with overwhelming and painful emotions by controlling their food intake. These conditions can cause serious emotional and physical problems without treatment. The most common types of eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. To accurately diagnose an eating disorder, a mental health professional will conduct a psychological evaluation to discuss eating habits, behaviors, and history of diet.
Trauma-Related Disorders
People who experience a highly stressful event may develop mental health illnesses related to the experience. There are many types of trauma-related disorders including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), secondhand trauma, and acute stress disorder.
Modern Psychiatry is Here for You
Understanding your mental health can be overwhelming and acknowledging that you may be suffering from a mental illness may be challenging. If you have experienced periods of sadness, extreme mood changes, anxiety, or problems with alcohol or drug use, taking the step to get help and find support can be life-changing. If you or someone you know is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental illness, contact the team at Modern Psychiatry and Wellness today. Walk-in times for addiction and mental health treatment are open at our Hamilton and West Chester locations, Monday through Friday 8 am to 3 pm.
